Industry Analysis & Industry Trends
The Sheep Farming industry has faced challenging trading conditions over the past five years, with significant declines in flock numbers, declining domestic consumption of sheep meat and a significant reduction in industry assistance due to the reforms from the Common Agricultural Policy. These factors have resulted in a consistent decline in enterprise and establishment numbers, with sheep farmers struggling to make a profit. The number of industry employees has also fallen in line with establishment numbers.
However, industry conditions have improved significantly over the past two years, with wool prices soaring due to strong demand for wool in developing countries across Asia... purchase to read more
Industry Report - Industry Products Chapter
The product mix can vary depending on the type of sheep reared. Some sheep are better suited to wool production and some are better suited to meat production. Products and services in the industry can be divided into five segments: lamb for slaughter; sheep for slaughter; wool; milk; and sheep for resale.
Animals for slaughter
Animals raised and sold to be slaughtered are the largest part of the industry, accounting for an estimated 81.8% of industry revenue. Sheep meat is separated into mutton and lamb. Mutton usually refers to meat from sheep that are over two years old, while lamb is meat from sheep below this age. Lambs account for a much larger proportion of industry revenue (74.2%), than sheep and goats for slaughter combined (7.6%)... purchase to read more